Friday, July 31, 2009

Home sweet home.

I probably have about two people who still check my blog after such a long absence, but it was much needed time to be still with the Lord and love on and be loved by dear friends and family. The last two weeks have been a whirlwind. I cannot describe the blessing that took place on July 17th at our dinner. It could not have been more God-orchestrated. From the songs that were sung to the words that were spoken and the people who filled the room to listen to God's heart for the orphan, perfect. Thank you to everyone who played a part, helped set up, made center pieces, sewed table cloths, brought me coffee, prayed for me in the bathroom ;), prayed in general, came from near and far, sponsored a table, sponsored a child, I could go on and on. I am still in awe and praising Jesus for my fantastic board who made this possible and ensured that almost all the work was done before I got home, leaving me with nothing to worry about!!!

On a different praising God note, the day after the fund raiser, I began to have sever stomach pain on my right side. I took more ibuprofen than is even normal and the pain continued to get worse. I continued to travel to Chicago to see my family, but as the pain persisted I went to the emergency room. After hours of testing and finding nothing, they sent me back. The next day as a rash emerged from my belly button to my back, my Nana guessed it was shingles and was right. Needless to say the next few days consisted of the most excruciating pain of my life... they just seemed to keep getting bigger and bigger. I am much better now, was so thankful to have one of my best friends travel back to Uganda with me and be able to help me get through the airport, just feeling a bit itchy :)

I am amazed by God's grace. I fully believe and understand that satan hates the work that Amazima Ministries is doing in Uganda. I see it all the time. The closer and closer we get to the center of God's will for our lives, the harder he tried to discourage, lie, destroy. Like I said, Friday night was phenomenal. People heard God's heart spoken, people were brought to tears, I believe people were changed. Not to mentioned that funds were raised that will keep our program running for a little bit longer. Shingles are probably just his way of letting me know he is not happy, but if he thought pain was going to keep me away from my children he was wrong again. But I continue to be in awe of the Lord's hedge of protection around me, no doubt due in part to all o f your prayers. But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever and the purposes of his heart through all generations. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him. I am not sure that shingles could be considered a blessing, but I could never think of a more perfect time for them to occur. A week earlier I would have been unable to help set up for the fundraiser, help with the little last minute details, and I definitely wouldn't have been able to speak. A week later I would have been back in Uganda, without very adequate medical care, and I'm not sure we ever would have figured out what it was. All this said. If shingles is what it takes to remind me of His fantastic plan and the angels He has encamped all around me and my family and this ministry... then bring it on.

Being home is relieving and peaceful and wonderful. How beautiful it was to jump into 40 waiting pairs of arms (yes, all the neighbors were here too...) as they screamed and danced and jumped "Mommy". There truly is no greater job :) From the minute I got here we have been busy. Sick children, Karamajong children with what seems like a hundred jiggers in their feet, birthday parties, meetings, and the list goes on. I am happy and I am full.

Oh, and I am back to my routinely blogging... Thank you so much for your prayers and support!!! Love from Uganda :)

92 comments:

ahhhh, I have been checking nearly everyday! I found your blog just a few weeks ago and have been truly moved and inspired! I am in awe! I really cannot express it, I know taht in all your work it is God's strength that makes it all come together and happen. Thank you for allowing me to "know" your family and the opportunity to pray for you all in Uganda! Oh and thank you for inspiring me to do what God has called me to do! You are a jewel Katie and I have no doubt that your heavenly Father is so very pleased and gratified as he polishes you and you keep shining for HIM!

Katie!! I'm so glad you're back. I am sorry you had to endure the pain of shingles, but glad you are well and able to keep it all in perspective. I know all of your babies are happy to have you back in their arms.

Katie-I looked through the pics of that night on your FB account and it looked incredible! Praise God for all He did that night and continues to do through you. Our family is on a journey heading towards Kitale, Kenya with our small boys next year. I really relate to your testimony to God's provision in, what seems to be, impossible situations. Looking forward to following you in adventures to come!

katie i am so bummed i didn't get to see you while you were here! but know that i have been praying for you--both the events you had here and your journey back to your home. i love you girl and will continue to keep you in my prayers :)

I've never seriously followed any soap opera... but the suspense in waiting for your updates... (or just sharing the life stories of other dear Godly women I know), has GOT TO BE FAR BETTER than any soap!! I doubt that any tv show will ever keep me hooked like any story I can follow about GOD IN ACTION. Lord, use me too!! Come what may Lord, be glorified in me too!

Yeah, I get to be the first on your blog to say WELCOME BACK!!!!!! Have been praying for a peaceful rest. Sorry to hear about your shingles- painful!!! So GLAD to hear you are back with your kids. I am sure that even though struggles happen....at least you have them to look at and think- Beautiful! Praying for you all!!! Spiritual Battles happen with us as well- when you are following God- satan hates you (YEAH!!!!) That is when you know you have to depend on God, and you have to keep doing what you are doing!!!! Praise God for you and your ministry!!!

So happy to hear you are back home safe and sound. I am new to your ministry and I look forward to supporting your children and praying for your ministry. My daughter and I have been making dolls to send this fall. Have a wonderful weekend.Laura

I just wanted to let you know that your story in general has so blessed me, and I was at a girls' conference headed up by Leslie Ludy (an amazing Christian author, orphan advocate, mother, and...my "boss". I nanny for their kids--two of whom are adopted) and she had heard me talk about your story, and asked me to share it with the girls. I got up and shared as much of your story as I could to a crowd of 200+ girls. They were all so blessed and inspired!

This is all to lead to the fact that I would like to write you an email about some things that came of that conference that I think you would be really interested in. But...alas, I don't have any way of emailing you! I know you're very, very busy, but . . . if at all possible could you dot me a quick email at purpleviolet88@gmail.com?

Blessings on you, Katie. You're an amazing picture of God working through an individual!

Katie, we have definitely not stopped checking your blog. It was great to see your first post back in uganda. we are praying for you and hope that you are feeling well. What a beautiful thing having lovely little girls calling your mommy!

OH KATIE!!!!! I am SO glad to read your words again! I read "oatsvall team's" blog to catch any news of how things were going while you were in the US, and I was blown away by the messages she posted telling how wonderful things went. I am so glad you had a productive time. Also, I am so glad you had a somewhat relaxing time with your family and friends. I am so so so so sorry you have shingles. Those are so painful and I don't think they ever do fully go away. That being said, I will pray that the healing power of the Lord and of God will be with you so the pain will be relieved and you can continue with the work God has called you to do.

thanks for writing. I live in Oregon and I am so blessed to have found your blog. My husband and I are so thankful and inspired by what God is doing in and through you. Your children are beautiful. I am praying for you!

Katie,So good to hear you made it back. Satan, of course is trying to stand in the way...defeated once again..yeah. I got to see you speak at the Oatsvall's fundraiser and that whole night was such a blessing. Although we don't know each other, I so enjoy your blog and am always inspired. I will soon be your "almost" neighbor as I am moving to Ethiopia...but I'm still praying for Uganda !!!

Katie...I am so excited that you are back online! I have been checking your blogspot regularly and have been patiently waiting for your return! Thanks for your most recent post! Your determination is inspiring and your outlook is refreshing...so positive even in the midst of challenges! May the Lord uphold you with His righteous right hand!Blessings,From Lisa in Tucson

I am still reading them!!! Love you sister. I am so blessed by hearing the news of what the Lord has done with this ministry, just like it was my own. The body of Christ is SO important we are the church and we rejoice together with you today. Kiss all those little babies for us. Can't wait for your next post.

Haha...I can't ever imagine just 2 people reading your blog. In fact, I think I hear a collective sigh of relief that just circled the globe--Yay, she finally posted again! I don't drink coffee every day, but I DO check your blog every day :) Thankful you are happy and full...and back to blogging routinely!

I am commenting to let you know that there are more than 'two' people that are reading your blog! I found you through Lesli Cryer's blog. The first day I read your blog I was in tears with a heart for those you are reaching...I now pray for you, your children and ministry every day and I think about you frequently and wonder about your life in Uganda. Blessings to you and so glad you are back to blogging!

Welcome, home! So thankful that you made it back to Uganda safely, into the arms of your precious children.

We've never met, but I feel like you're a kindred spirit. My mother emailed me several weeks ago and said, "Read this blog, it's about this Brentwood girl who moved to Africa and adopted a bunch of kids." And I thought, forgive me, "Girls from Brentwood don't move to Africa." So I ignored the email for a while, until the whisper of the Lord grew insistent. He kept saying, "I want you to meet Katie..." So I sat down and scrolled through your archives until I reached the very first post. And then I didn't move until I'd read that entire first year. Within about 12 hours, I'd read every entry and most of the comments -- weeping through so many posts, and praising Jesus even more.

I am so inspired by you -- not that you've moved to Africa. Not that you started an incredible ministry. Not that you opened your life and your heart and your home to your 13 remarkable children. Not that you continue to feed and clothe and educate the least of these. Which is not to say that all of that isn't inspiring. But I find you inspiring because you are first and foremost a daughter of our King and Savior and you are committed to that relationship and share it with us with such honestly and tenderness and love. It is irresistible. And it has been such a blessing to me already, in the short hours I've known you. Words cannot express how thankful I am to the Lord for you and for your faithfulness in His call for your life.

All of this to say, I just wanted to welcome you back and let you know that you have one more Tennessean thinking of you, reading this, and praying for you, your children, and the people of Uganda daily.

Katie!I really enjoy reading your blog. I am not sure exactly how I came across it, but I spent a month in Uganda last summer with Global Expeditions and Teen Mania. Incredible! I love reading your stories and being able to stand in the gap with you through prayer. Blessings & I look forward to reading more and hearing how the Lord is showing his faithfulness in your life. Blessings, Ria :)

Hi Katie!Not sure how I came across your blog, but I absolutely love reading about what the Lord is doing in and through you. I spent a month in Uganda last summer with Global Expeditions (Teen Mania Ministries). Not sure if you are farmiliar? It was incredible! Reading your blog reminds me of all the Lord taught me and how he is continuing to answer prayers that were/are being prayed for you and others serving in Africa. May you be blessed continually and I look forward to hearing more about God's faithfulness in your life & your cute darling girls <3-Ria

Sorry about the shingles. We, too, are in a huge battle with the enemy. God is moving us into a HUGE step of faith to move with our children and go preach the Gospel. At the same time, we are in a unimaginable CRISIS with one of our adopted children. Every time we move forward in our new life calling ... the enemy throws another wrench into our Crisis. But, we will NOT be deterred. God has called, and we are moving forward.

A friend of mine, who I spent 6 weeks with in Jinja when I was in college, told me about your blog last Sunday. In the past week I've read through your entire blog...from 2007 to the present. :-) I love your writing, your stories, your heart for God and His purposes for you, your children and THEIR hearts for him, your passion to feed and care for the children and I could go on and on. I just wanted to let you know that I am encouraged and inspired by you and am praying for you and all the lives God is using to touch and bless through you. Praying God continues to bless you and your girls and your ministry abundantly!!

Love and blessings,Lisa

This is the team I lived with in the summer of 1995, although the team members were different back then.) http://www.jinjamissions.org/

I am still a faithful viewer of your blog (and your friend's when you were away to keep updated!) God Bless you and keep you my friend-you are an inspiration to us all. Glad you're home safe and sound.

I have been thinking of you, praying and regularly checking your blog and looking forward to your next update ever since your last one. Your journey through life is so inspiring and encouraging to me Katie and I cannot say how thankful and happy I am for you in what God has and is orchestrating in your life!Ohh..so sorry about your discomfort but I know that God is and will be glorified in all you are doing.

Hi Katie,Well you can add one more to the list of people who check your blog. I was just led here today and I’m so happy to meet you and am looking forward to getting to know you. You are such a blessing.

..."God in heaven we thank you so much for caring for Katie during her stay in the US. Thank you for all the incredible miracles you performed through her and those who helped with every fundraiser and all those people behind the scenes to bring glory to your name and awareness to your children who are suffering. We praise your Holy Name.

We ask now that you continue to heal Katie from shingles...minister to her spirit at this time. Bring healing to her body and strength for each new day. We know that you are doing a mighty work and we pray for increased protection from the evil one who hates when we your children do anything in your name. We pray for continued financial support for Amazima ministries and everyone involved.

Please pour out your spirit over all those involved in caring for the orphans and widows of this world. May we all be sensitive to your leading in our lives. Thank you again for Katie and her family and friends....in Jesus name I pray, Amen!

Katie, welcome home!!! I'm SO SORRY you have shingles. My dad got them and I have never seen someone in so much pain. It was awful. Praising God it all happened exactly when and where it was supposed to happen. We'll pray for a speedy recovery. I'm sure there are some amazing wild plants around your home that are helpful to stop the itches. ouch!!I truly wish I could have made a trip to TN to see and hear you speak and see first hand God's miracles!!! I'm so happy you're blogging again... they are my day's delight when they pop up!!!Praying!!

Rest assured many, many, people have checked your blog constantly to see that you have arrived in Uganda and are with your daughters!!We enjoyed reading Renee's blog too.Prayers your way. Cousin, Sharon--Williamsport

I was so excited to see that you are back in Uganda...though I'm sure it was such a blessing to see family and friends! My sister Kelly got to meet you in TN and I am $75 away from sponsoring one of your precious children. I would love to adopt one but for now, since we have five of our own, I will have to settle for sponsoring one. You have no idea how your words have impacted me...made me once again so amazed at how God works and how He loves the orphans. Please know my family's love, thoughts and prayers are with you and your little ones!

Ok So if I am one of your 2 readers - welcome back to your children and so great to hear you are there again. No you have never met me and it feels weird to post but what you are doing, I find so beautiful and I truly wish I had the courage to do the same. The best I can do is read and follow your work .

Katie dear, it was go good to see you here in Williamsport! I have been praying for your shingles to go away.I have missed your blog and have been praying for you and your girls...may God bless you and keep you safe and well!

I am new to your blog. In hopes of feeling less like a stalker I thought I would at least introduce myself. A friend from my town shared your blog with me last week and God has really used it to move in my heart and get me thinking. I just graduated from college and am trying to figure out a direction. The more I hear about what you're doing, the more I want to do what you're doing. I am going to be praying for direction and until I get a clear sense of what that is, I will be "stalking" and praying for you and the ministry God has given you. Keep blessing God.

Your posts are so entertaining, and I love reading about your children and all God is doing through you while you're in Uganda! My name is Erin, and I am a college student with mild cerebral palsy. I’m a special education major and have hopes of becoming a disability services director of a university after graduate school. I have just launched a blog that is still getting started, but with the title “Empowering People and Changing Lives,” I hope that it will provide a wealth of resources for people who care for children, specifically those who are affected by disability. I will also be chronicling some personal experiences and will be sharing some thoughts about those along the way. I am also extremely interested in international adoption, and I thought you just might be the perfect person to have some information for me! The blog’s address is http://empowerpeoplechangelives.blogspot.com. From there, you will be able to read the posts I have written, find out all about me, check out my blogroll, look at many resources I have gathered, and contact me.

Our family (deep in the heart of Texas) has been following your work in Uganda for a few months(after getting your link from a friend who recently adopted from Ethiopia), and we are amazed by how the Lord is working through your life to touch so many (there in Uganda as well as in the States and in cyberspace). We have been keeping you, your girls, and your ministry in prayer and will continue to do so. Keep your eyes focused on Jesus (the One who sent you) and Satan will never have a foothold! So glad that the victory belongs to the Lord. Blessings! The Lord is very good indeed, and He will continue to provide and protect as many are reached for His Kingdom. :)

katie, i just recently started reading your blog and i have been checking back daily. God is using you and your life to really remind me how things should be. i take His Grace for granted. thank you for your heart for Him and your sweet spirit. i look forward to following your journey. much love to you and your sweet children.

katie, i just recently started reading your blog and i have been checking back daily. God is using you and your life to really remind me how things should be. i take His Grace for granted. thank you for your heart for Him and your sweet spirit. i look forward to following your journey. much love to you and your sweet children.

You are so inspiring! I have only read a few of your posts but am going to read more. I am currently a graduate student in education and I honestly feel that the Lord is calling me to maybe work with children in a different setting, not sure where He wants me yet, trying to figure that one out!! It is so amazing to see what you are doing!

Katie, you don't know me, my name is Julie Schenck and have been friends with the Klippenstien's for years. I know it must have been so very hard to be away from your kids for such a long time, but I want to affirm in you that your presence here for a few weeks changed lives here, in Franklin and Brentwood! Sunday the 19th, Kim and Kelly came to church and in the process of lifting you and your ministry up in our prayer time - Kim, led the ENTIRE sunday school discussion. Kim and Kelly (!) could not stop talking about all that they witnessed the night of the 17th. She spoke with the clarity of the Holy Spirit as he led her and our class discussion. It was clear to us all that your message needed to be shared. And how beautiful it was. (Kim say she gets credit for teaching a sunday school lesson! - I guess we will give her that one:) )

I have posted your blog and your website on my facebook page and continue to tell anyone who will listen about you! I am sharing your story with my girls (8 and 12)and will continue to tell others about it. You have blessed me in knowing that one person that follows the call of God can do something significant. You have challenged my status quo of thinking. THANK YOU! I need it.

I look forward to keeping up with you through your blog and praying for you. I will particularly pray for the safety of you and your girls and that the Holy Spirit will guard you from the enemy and his tricks and the evil attempts to derail you.

I pray that you are recovering quickly from the shingles. I hope you got whatever the medication is that makes it less severe. ( my mom had them a couple of years ago)

I just recently found your blog and have been reading earlier entries. Just wanted you to know that you and your children are in my prayers. I have been telling lots of people about your ministry and the awesome work that God is doing.

So glad you are safely home, and thankful for all you have done while here in TN! We were at the dinner on the 17th and I just wanted to tell you how blessed we were to be part of what God is doing. Our hearts were touched, changed, and made ready for His next adventure for our family. God is guiding us, after 4 domestic adoptions, to seek out another. The faces of His precious African children are ever before us as we pray.

Glad you made it back. I'm sure people are still checking the blog...I know I am. I grabbed your button and added to my new blog and Gwen is a new-found sis. We are praying for you Katie. My kids think their little sister is somewhere among you! May we seek His face!

AHHHHH Katie we are still here and have missed hearing from you. Glad you are back home and hopefully healing, i'm sure life is busy and that the children missed you. I'm sure they are showering you with love.

Welcome home! I can only imagine what a love fest must have ensued upon your arrival. :) Wish I could have been a fly on the wall to watch all the hugs and kisses. So grateful for God's provision for Amazima at the fundraiser and His watch care over you with the Shingles. How gracious is God?!! I have to say, selfishly I was so excited to see your post today - feels like the world is back to normal now that you are blogging again. :) Love you and your family. Can't wait to see you in under 40 days when we come with HopeChest! Praying for you in the meantime! Amy

Katie, I have been following your amazing blog for awhile now and am so proud of you.

I am a pharmacist, and wanted you to be aware that there are prescription meds that can lessen the effects of shingles if you start taking it as soon as you have been afflicted. Once someone has shingles, they are prone to having them again. You might have your parents talk to your stateside doctor and send a filled prescription to you to keep on hand. It will save you hours of pain by acting proactively if you should get shingles again. Many people get them about once a year or so, but others get them much more often.

Katie! I heard about your blog from a girl named Grace at a Set Apart Girls Conference by Eric and Leslie Ludy. Having such a heart for orphans, I was instantly drawn to your blog. I love reading everything God is doing in and through you and am greatly expectant to see His will fulfilled in my life. So anyways, keep posting, I am a faithful reader and prayer!

I don't know you, but I love you and your heart for the LORD and your heart for orphans! God be with you and strengthen you, my prayers are with you.

Hi Katie,I was sent your blog from a friend as I just got back from Uganda. I understand missing it when you aren't there! Keep on in the knowledge that He who called you is faithful. I'm praying for you and yours.Mukama acuuwe omukisa,Anna

I have so enjoyed your blog. My friend who lives near Nashville sent me the link. What an amazing minstry God has given you! I will pray for you and the beautiful children God has entrusted to you! I am so inspired by your desire to do the will of God. It truly encourages me that it is totally possible to follow in obedience! May the Lord continue His work that He has called you to do!

Found your blog a few days ago, and have read it from beginning to end. Amazing. Thank you for sharing your part of God's story. Will be praying and supporting you and telling others to visit this blog.

You could not possibly get to read all the comments with the tasks ahead. But know that we will continue to pray for the safety of your family, and the grace, peace, and glory of Jesus to chase you until you come back to the US again.

Welcome Home, Katie. So glad your time in the US was successful and that you are recovering from your attack of shingles. Love that you find the blessing in the midst of the course - so much power in that! God is GOOD - all the time! :-) Praying that He continues to give you every single cent and ounce of energy you need, my Friend!

Praise God you are safely back in Uganda! Your children must be thrilled!!!!

Yes, the enemy would love to see this ministry closed,but...

" Don't be afraid or discouraged.. the battle is not your battle, it is God's. Just stand strong in your place and you will see the Lord save you... Don't be afraid or discouraged, because the Lord is with you." 2 Chron. 20:15 & 17

Welcome Home..... I will be praising Jesus and thanking Him for all that He is doing with this ministry and for how He is watching over you and your girls.Hope you are all better now.God's peace and protection.

glad you're back! i subscribed awhile ago, been wondering what you're up to in the states and anxiously awaiting your first post back in uganda! i actually randomly found out what was going on in the meantime, when a friend visited a friend in Tennessee and got to go to your banquet! i couldn't believe she got to meet you! i'm sure you met a ton of new people, but here's the gal i'm speaking of: tawtieandobie.blogspot.com

91 comments and counting....your work goes so far beyond the children of Uganda. Praising God you continue to answer His call - over and over and over again. The Center of His Will is an amazing place.

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